Hope in Challenging Times
What does hope look like in the face of challenging circumstances, in transitions that take us into unknown, often unchosen, territories, or when a sudden loss blindsides us, making each day feel like we’re trudging through mud? And then, there are the many problems that affect us all on a grander scale. We may try to ignore the news feeds, but stalking in the background of our minds are concerns about the economy, political decisions, war, racial tensions, the impact of climate change, and the new normal of living with ever-present variants of viruses. How do we experience hope when the world feels chaotic, changing at such a fast pace, and we are just trying to hold on to something stable, while feeling like we are being tossed back and forth on a tilt-a-whirl ride? We carry the stress in our bodies, and, along with anxiety, we may feel an increase in irritability, low energy and depression.
How do we go through challenging times with hope that is more than wishful thinking, something more than a hope that “this mess” will just go away and things will soon be back to normal? This view of hope is passive, waiting for external factors to bring about the outcome that we desire. We take action only if we believe there is a high probability of things working in our favor. We feel hopeless if we can’t imagine that our actions will make any difference.
There is another view of hope that is more active. In the book, “Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy”, authors Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone describe active hope as imagining the desired future, and taking an active role to move in that direction. It involves seeing reality clearly, identifying the direction we would like things to go, and identifying steps that would move us in that direction. We set an intention. We choose what we aim to bring about, act for, or express. Rather than weighing our chances and proceeding only when we feel hopeful, we allow our desires and intentions to guide us.
Seeing reality clearly means acknowledging the challenges we face and the emotions that we experience. Seeking support allows us to name the fear, helplessness, anxiety, grief and pain, a first step to finding a sense of grounding when the waves of difficult events and emotions threaten to overwhelm us. Seeing reality clearly, rather than numbing and distracting, enables us to consider what we desire for our future, and setting an intention to take steps that will move us in that direction. Active hope does not deny that there will be obstacles along the way. But it allows us to participate in bringing about change, in spite of obstacles. Hope in our own ability to bring about change increases our courage and resiliency; it brings a sense of satisfaction that we can be active participants in our lives rather than merely the victim of our circumstances.
There are many things in life that we cannot control. However, we do have control over our responses to difficult situations. When we take an active role in bringing about our desired future, we are living our lives more fully. Knowing that we are not alone as we go through hard times may be the most important factor that brings hope. If you are going through a difficult experience, feel overwhelmed and it seems challenging to feel hopeful, please contact us at the Mansio Center. We want to offer support and hope. You do not need to go through life alone.
By Donna Scott, LCSW